NOSTALGIA: Here is the news for France

Laura Smith

This photo was taken in January 1997 when the Bury Free Press learned that Stowmarket news was to travel overseas with copies of the paper being sent to France.

Members of Stowmarket Town Twinning Association had decided to send the Stowmarket edition of the paper to twin town Verneuil-sur-Avre every week to give its residents a taste of English culture and, for their first one, the Bury Free Press published an introductory piece in French.

Chairman John Pattle, pictured with members above, said at the time: “We were looking for ways of improving links between Stowmarket and France and decided a good way would be to exchange local newspapers.”

HEADLINES FROM THE PAST

10 YEARS AGO

An investigation was launched following a chemical fire in Thurston.

Clouds of toxic smoke were given off when firefighters doused a burning car, containing rat poison, with water.

Six members of the public, 12 firefighters and two policemen were kept in West Suffolk Hospital’s high dependency unit overnight complaining of irritation to the eyes, tight chests and headaches.

Firefighters rushed to Rylands Close after a courageous driver drove a blazing Land Rover away from the village centre when it suddenly caught fire.

The last USAF Lakenheath service personnel on duty in Saudi Arabia because of the Gulf War returned to the West Suffolk base to a rapturous welcome.

More than 600 people lined the base runway to greet the 175 personnel, some of whom had been on duty for seven months.

Lakenheath high School played patriotic marching music as the servicemen renewed ties with loves ones and friends.

“There is a feeling of great relief across the base.

“We still have a handful of people helping out with administration duties in Saudi Arabia but it really is great to have everyone back,” said base spokesman Staff Sergeant Phil Guerrero.

100 YEARS AGO

Bradfield St George residents Mr and Mrs W Cobbold have five sons who have at one time or another served in His Majesty’s Forces. In addition, their two grandsons have also enlisted.

Unfortunately, at the time of writing only three out of the seven remain unscathed.

Private Chas Cobbold met his death during the South African War. Corporal F Cobbold fell in action in France on April 15, 1915. Private W Cobbold 1st Suffolks, has been reported as missing since May 8, 1915. Sergeant Alfred Cobbold was wounded in the arm in France on 10th last but is now well on the high road to recovery. The remaining son, Company Quartermaster Sergeant A Cobbold, is now at Salonica.